Event listening device and system

ABSTRACT

The proposed invention provides a way for sports fans to participate more fully in the game-race or his/her favorite sport. This invention provides the spectator with a single point of audio contact with the sport, bringing the fan into the game or race, preserving the passion and reverence for the game that he&#39;s when she has for his/her sports choice. The communication system includes networking a plurality of existing recording devices with a centralized preceding such transmission system whereby selected information is broadcast personal receivers. The individuals in possession of a personal receiver can select from a plurality of different broadcast selections, for example, conversations in the bullpen or press box.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/335,561 filed Oct. 31, 2001,entitled Sports Listening Device and System, naming Anthony Sinclair asinventor, said provisional application hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to communication technology and,more specifically, to a system and method for receiving and transmittinga wide range of audio information at sporting events.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] In the related art, there is not a single state-of-the-artappliance or application, or a one-solution capability to providespectators at any major sporting venue with the opportunity to listen toall game related action. People attending a game can only hear what isbroadcast over the loudspeaker system. Thus there is presently no systemto allow fans to hear audio transmissions from radio, television, localadvertisers or supporters (who have audio commercials available to air),emergency announcements, or all available conversations from the playingfield during any given game (college, professional, or any sportsgathering).

[0006] When at a sporting event, such as either a professional orcollege sports event, the spectator in the stands is not given theopportunity to be involved, or to participate in the heart of the game(or effects of the game) using all of his/her senses. The spectator inthe stands simply waits to hear any announcements or informationprovided to him/her by the stadium or sports team announcer. Presently,the spectator cannot hear the chatter of the players on the field ofplay or on the sidelines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The proposed invention provides a way for sports fans toparticipate more fully in the game, race or his/her favorite sport. Inone embodiment, the invention provides the spectator a single point ofaudio contact with the sport, bringing the fan into the game or race,preserving the passion and reverence for the game that he/she has forhis/her sport of choice. In one embodiment, the communication systemincludes networking a plurality of existing recording devices with acentralized receiving/transmission system whereby selected informationis broadcast to personal receivers. The individuals in possession of apersonal receiver can select from a plurality of different broadcastselections, for example, conversations in the bullpen or press box.

[0008] As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing summary, theinvention provides the avid sports fan access to the field of play andgreater involvement in his/her game or race of choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention are described in detail below with reference to the followingdrawings.

[0010]FIG. 1A shows a preferred embodiment of the present inventionincluding a communication system 20 having a system receiver/transmitter22 configured to receive information from a plurality of remoterecording devices 26, encode the information and then broadcast selectedaudio data to a plurality of personal receivers 28.

[0011]FIGS. 1B and 1C depict a more pictographic representation of oneembodiment of the baseball field system and example described inrelation to FIG. 1A.

[0012] FIGS. 2-6 depict the personal receiver 28 having a specificallydesigned AM or FM circuit board designed to fit within a housing 33 ofthe type used for current broadcast transmission and receivingequipment.

[0013]FIG. 7 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6.

[0014]FIG. 8 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, wherein a handshaking operation is described.

[0015]FIG. 9 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, wherein private decoding unit 714 has programmeditself to use the companion decoding algorithm to that encodingalgorithm in use by private encoding unit 702.

[0016]FIG. 10 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6.

[0017]FIG. 11 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, which has features in common with previouslydescribed FIG. 7.

[0018]FIG. 12 depicts a cutaway view of a further possible physicalimplementation of personal receiver 28.

[0019] The use of the same symbols in different drawings typicallyindicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention provides a system and method for collectingand selectively distributing audio information to personal receivers. Byway of overview and with reference to FIG. 1A, a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention includes a communication system 20 including asystem receiver/transmitter 22 configured to receive information from aplurality of remote recording devices 26, encode the information andthen broadcast selected audio data to a plurality of personal receivers28. The personal receiver 28 decodes the broadcast data 27 and allows anindividual user to hear selected broadcast information. Thecommunication system 20 and personal receiver 28 are described with moreparticularity below.

[0021] For purposes of example only, we have chosen to outline specificsof the invention as it relates to baseball. In accordance with other andfuture aspects of the invention, note that similar configurations ofmicrophones and parabolic dishes (and all related figures) can beapplied to other sports noted above, as well as sports popular in othercultures such as rugby, cricket, and the Olympic and Goodwill games.

[0022] The receiver/transmitter 22 receives and assembles audiotransmissions from a plurality of remote listening/recording devices 26,for example, a microphone, a parabolic dish, wireless transmission(e.g., microwave), audio from a TV/radio broadcast or data from a radiomodem, within the stadium or affiliated TV/radio broadcast. Thereceiver/transmitter 22 processes the transmissions, for example, byencoding the signal into a sine wave that transmits it (under strictFCC-regulated frequency modulation) as radio waves 27 assigned to thepersonal receivers 28, in essence, the internal microchip (the companionchip to 36 in FIG. 2) of the transmitter scrambles, or locks, thesignal.

[0023] The personal receiver 28 receives the radio waves 27 and decodesthe message using a “key” algorithmic message from the sine wave itreceives, then conveys the sounds to the listener through the speakersystem, for example earphones (44 in FIG. 2). The algorithmic messagetells the personal receiver what decoding algorithm to use.

[0024] In one embodiment, the receiver/transmitter 22 utilizes existingantenna technology to radiate and capture the radio signal 23. However,other communication systems are considered within the scope of thisinvention, for example, wireless capabilities, flat wire antennacapabilities, or optical communication devices.

[0025]FIG. 1A depicts the communication system 20. The remote recordingdevices 26 receive transmissions from a variety of sources. The remotesources include on-field and on-person microphones located in dugouts,bullpens, pre and post game radio/TV audio interviews, batting cages,under each base bag and on all managers, coaches, umpires, and selectedindividuals to be determined by teams and sports-related authorities.Other remote recording devices 26 include parabolic dishmicrophones/receivers in stands in right field, left field, centerfield,and behind home plate, as well as in appropriate television camerapositions and other locations within the stadium yet to be determined.Still other sources include radio broadcast microphones in press boxesand other areas of game-related commentary located to transmit commentsfrom existing broadcasts/simulcasts from local radiopersonality/commentators as well as foreign-language commentators. Stillother sources include audio signals from microphones in press boxeslocated to transmit existing audio broadcasts/simulcasts from televisioncommentators, as well as foreign-language broadcast commentary. Inaddition, in some embodiments receiver/transmitter 22 intermittentlytransmits on one or more channels of personal receivers 28 either liveor recorded audio advertising from stadium and non-stadium gamesponsors, including team-merchandising operations, where such audioadvertising is provided by the advertisers. In addition, in someembodiments, receiver/transmitter 22 intermittently transmits, on one ormore channels of personal receivers 28, existing emergency audiobroadcasts such as storm warnings, in-stand emergencies, nationalsecurity updates, and post-game traffic reports while fans are still inthe stadium or close proximity to the transmission area. In someembodiments, recording devices 26 transmit pre-game locker roomdiscussions between coach/managers and the team, to be determined by theteam and/or major league baseball or sports-related authorities, whilein other embodiments recording devices 26 transmit pre-game, warm upfield conversations including batting practice, and other on-fieldchatter to be transmitted by microphones or parabolic dishes/receiversnoted above or telephone calls to the bullpen (e.g., in some embodimentsa wireless phone is actually used as recording device 26).

[0026]FIGS. 1B and 1C depict a more pictographic representation of oneembodiment of the baseball field system and example described inrelation to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B illustrates remote recording devices 26 inthe form of audio pickups 26 transmitting signals which are received byreceiving-transmitting station 22. The signals can be transmitted bywireless methods, infrared, microwave, hardwire connection or anyacceptable technique. Shown are pickups 26 located within the press box,bullpen, dugout, and stands (including box seats and bleachers) ofbaseball field 100, which are examples of pickups 26 dispersedthroughout baseball field 100. Pickups 26 are transmitting wirelesssignals, which are received by receiving-transmitting station 22.Standard broadcast station 102 is transmitting a wireless signal, whichis received by receiving-transmitting station 22. Examples of standardbroadcast station 102 are a television broadcast station, a radiobroadcast station, an audio simulcast of television broadcast station, aforeign language broadcast station, etc. As shown and described aboveand below, in one embodiment, pickups 26 transmit their wireless signalsusing an encoding scheme privately known to pickups 26 andreceiving-transmitting station 22.

[0027]FIG. 1C shows a pictographic representation ofreceiving-transmitting station 22 transmitting wireless signals topersonal receivers 28. Personal receivers 28 are shown located in thebleachers of baseball field 100 for sake of example, but it is to beunderstood that receiving-transmitting station 22 typically willbroadcast with power sufficient to communicate with personal receivers28 both within the baseball field 100 and within parking lots (notshown) proximate to baseball field 100. As shown and described above andbelow, in one embodiment receiving-transmitting station 22 transmits thewireless signals using a decoding scheme privately known toreceiving-transmitting station 22 and personal receivers 28.

[0028] FIGS. 2-6 depict the personal receiver 28 having a specificallydesigned AM or FM circuit board designed to fit within a housing 33 ofthe type used for current broadcast transmission and receivingequipment. The personal receiver 28 is preferably designed to receive anencoded transmission 27 from the system receiver/transmitter 22. Morespecifically, the personal receiver is designed to decode the signaltransmitted by the broadcasting entity through their usual broadcastmedium (wireless or satellite transmission systems) under strictFCC-regulated frequency modulation as radio waves assigned to thisinvention.

[0029] A standard design integrated circuit board 38, which can have,among other things, either AM or FM digital or analog circuitry, andconstitutes electronics of the personal receiver 28. In one embodiment,the board 38 is configured to mate with a “key” algorithmic receivingmicrochip 36.

[0030] In one embodiment, the earphone wire of earphones 44 will bedirectly attached to the circuit board 38. However, other speakerconfigurations are considered within scope of this invention, forexample, stereo headsets or ear pieces, or possible wireless technology.Additionally, for embodiments including incorporated earphones 44, atake-up wheel 46 for the earphone wire may be either inside or outsidethe housing 33, which may be in the form of a molded plastic shell. Inone embodiment, the earphones 44 will be of a standard design includingsoft or hard earpieces. Also included at a location appropriate to theearphones, will be pegs 56 (see FIG. 6) around which the user can wrapthe earphone cord for safekeeping, as well as a small clip for securingthe earphones. Further iterations may include a take-up wheel.

[0031] The personal receiver includes a power and volume control switch32, a channel selection switch 34, an “on” or low power indicator light30, and other user control devices.

[0032] In one embodiment, the circuit board 38 will house a power source40. Examples of power sources are batteries or an electrical terminal(not shown). Additionally, in one embodiment, for security purposes, atlow-power or upon tampering, circuit board 38 includes circuitry suchthat a power surge or spike from the batteries may be sent to thereception chip that will destroy the algorithmic key code such as thatcontained in key algorithmic microchip 36. Also in one embodiment, alow-power signal may signify, via indicator 30, the need to changebatteries.

[0033] In one embodiment, power switch 32 is connected to the circuitboard 38 and is configured to control the volume setting. However, thepower and volume may also be under separate control. When in the “on”position, an indicator 30, for example, a green power light, willindicate the unit is an operation. As noted above, the indicator mayalso indicate low-power.

[0034] A channel selector 34 offering a plurality of channels will allowthe user to select from a variety of broadcast data 27. For example, anindividual may listen to the following:

[0035] (a) radio broadcast and on field “chatter”;

[0036] (b) television broadcasting on field “chatter”;

[0037] (c) on-field “chatter” only;

[0038] (d) radio broadcast only;

[0039] (e) television broadcast only;

[0040] (f) foreign language broadcasts;

[0041] (g) a user selected location, whether from the stands, on thefield, or broadcast; and

[0042] (h) other listening opportunities as previously described inrelation to FIG. 1A and as described elsewhere herein.

[0043] Although channel selector 34 has been shown as a simple rotaryknob for the sake of simplicity, in other embodiments the personalreceiver 28 may have an LED display associated with channel selectionand/or power, and push buttons for channel selection.

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 2-6, the housing 33 is preferablyconstructed of two pieces of molded plastic to be sealed together. Theoverall size of the device will be approximately 3-½″ tall×2-½″ wide×½″thick, or roughly the size of a credit card. It may range in size fromthat of a small transistor radio to a credit card.

[0045]FIG. 3 depicts an antenna 50 of the personal receiver 28. In oneembodiment, a front panel of the personal receiver 28 contains a DeCorpAmericas Flat Wire Ready Antenna, with the male connector positioned tomeet the female receptor 42 noted in FIG. 2. However, other antennas areconsidered within scope of this invention, for example, short-rangefixed antennas, or other new technology flat wire antennas of standarddesign.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the outer housing 33 ofthe personal receiver 28 is constructed from a molded plastic shell,which will allow for a plurality of advertisement sections 52, forexample, a logo stamp of an affiliated sports organizations or paidadvertisements. This may be on the back, as shown in FIG. 4, or on thefront or side.

[0047]FIG. 5 shows a receptor 42 which may be provided on a back side ofthe receiver 28. The receptor 42 may mate with any appropriateelectrical connector to provide instructions, data, or power to receiver28. It may be used for programming the microchip, establishing certainsettings, charging a battery within the housing 33, or performing otherelectrical functions.

[0048]FIG. 6 depicts an attachment clip 58 for the personal receiver 28.Preferably, the personal receiver 28 will include a clip 58 on the backpanel that will allow the user to easily clip it to a shirt pocket orother convenient location. Standoffs or clips 56 may optionally beprovided on the side in some embodiments.

[0049]FIG. 7 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6. Illustrated is receiving-transmitting station 22receiving wireless signals 1 through N via receiving-transmittingstation 22's receiving antenna 700, where wireless signals 1 through Nare representative of wireless signals transmitted by pickups 26, orbroadcast signals transmitted by broadcast stations such as broadcaststation 102. Reception unit 702 converts the received wireless signals 1through N to representative logical channels 1 through N and thereaftertransmits the representative logical channels 1 through N to privateencoding unit 704. Private encoding unit 704 encodes the logicalchannels 1 through N and thereafter transmits the encoded logicalchannels to transmission unit 706.

[0050] Transmission unit 706 thereafter multiplexes the encoded logicalchannels 1 through N and transmits a multiplexed signal carrying encodedlogical channels 1 through N via receiving-transmitting station 22'stransmitting antenna 708. Transmission unit 706 can use any of a numberof conventional multiplexing techniques such as frequency divisionmultiplexing (FDMA), time division multiplexing (TDMA), code divisionmultiplexing (CDMA), or wideband code division multiplexing (WCDMA),etc. In addition, in embodiments which use code division multiplexing,or other spectrum spreading techniques, private encoding unit 704 maynot be necessary in that the spectrum spreading techniques themselvesmay be sufficient to serve as the private encoding utilized by aspectsof the present invention.

[0051] Personal receiver 28 receives the wireless signal transmitted byreceiving-transmitting station 22 via personal receiver 28's receivingantenna 710. (Although devices are shown herein with separate receivingand transmitting antennas, for the sake of illustration and ease ofunderstanding, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat in most instances the transmitting and receiving antennas are thesame antenna.) Receiving unit 712 demultiplexes the received multiplexedsignal transmitted by receiving-transmitting station 22 and thereaftertransmits the demultiplexed encoded logical channels 1 through N toprivate encoding unit 714. Private encoding unit 714 decodes the encodedlogical channels 1 through N and thereafter transmits the decodedlogical channels 1 through N to user-controlled channel selector andmixer unit 716. Thereafter, user controlled channel and selector mixerunit 716 transmits the one or more selected and mixed channels to audiodrivers 718, which power earphones 44.

[0052] Both private encoding unit 704 and private decoding unit 714 areshown as being programmable. In one embodiment, private encoding unit704 is manually programmed by the system operator with one of aplurality of available encoding algorithms. In one embodiment, privatedecoding unit 714 is manually programmed by the user of the personalreceiver 28, via an input device (such as a pushbutton), to utilize thecompanion decoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit 704. In oneembodiment this is achieved via the system operator instructing the userof personal receiver 28 as to the decoding algorithm in use by privateencoding unit 704. This can be done by wireless instructions orconnection to receptor 42.

[0053] In another embodiment, private encoding unit 704 is programmed touse a specific encoding algorithm, and personal receiver 28 programsprivate decoding unit 714 to utilize the companion decoding algorithmvia a handshaking operation which will now be described.

[0054]FIG. 8 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, wherein a handshaking operation is described.Private decoding unit 714 of personal receiver 28 transmits a query viatransmission unit 720 and personal receiver 28's transmitting antenna722. The query requests format and instructions from private encodingunit 702. In one embodiment, the query specifically requests thatprivate encoding unit 702 inform private decoding unit 714 of theencoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit 704.

[0055] Private encoding unit 704 receives the query from privatedecoding unit 714 via reception unit 702 and receiving-transmittingstation 22's receiving antenna 700. In response to the received query,private encoding unit 704 of transmitting-receiving station 22 transmitsa response to the query via transmission unit 706 andreceiving-transmitting station 22's transmitting antenna 708. Theresponse to this query contains format and instructions from privateencoding unit 704. In one embodiment, the format and instructionsspecifically indicate the encoding algorithm in use by private encodingunit 704 (e.g., “using encoding algorithm B”).

[0056] In one embodiment, upon receipt of the format and instructions,private decoding unit 714 programs itself to use the companion decodingalgorithm to that encoding algorithm in use by private encoding unit704. An example of the foregoing will now be described.

[0057]FIG. 9 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, wherein private decoding unit 714 has programmeditself to use the companion decoding algorithm to that encodingalgorithm in use by private encoding unit 702. Specifically, shown isthat private encoding unit 704 is utilizing encoding algorithm B.Depicted is that, in response to a previously executed handshakingoperation such as that depicted and described in relation to FIG. 8,private decoding unit 714 has programmed itself to use decodingalgorithm B, which is the companion to encoding algorithm B in use byprivate encoding unit 704. In addition to the foregoing, FIG. 9 is alsorepresentative of the previously described operation where privateencoding unit 704 is programmed by the system user to use encodingalgorithm B, and private decoding unit 714 has been manually programmedby the user of personal receiver 28 such that private decoding unit 714utilizes decoding algorithm B.

[0058]FIG. 10 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6. Specifically, shown is pickup 26 havingmicrophone 1000. Signals picked up by microphone 1000 are received bydrivers 1002. Drivers 1002 drive private encoding unit 1004 (shown as aprogrammable encoding unit). Private encoding unit 1004 transmits theencoded signal to transmission unit 1006. Transmission unit 1006transmits a wireless signal, carrying the encoded signal, via atransmitting antenna of pickup 26. A wire or cable connection may alsobe used for the transmission of the signal from the pickup.

[0059] Reception unit 702 of receiving-transmitting unit 22 receives theencoded signal via receiving-transmitting unit 22's receiving antenna700. Pickup-specific decoding unit 1008 (shown as a programmabledecoding unit) receives and decodes the encoded wireless signal.Thereafter, reception unit 702 functions as has been describedpreviously.

[0060] In one embodiment, private encoding unit 1004 programs itself touse the companion algorithm to the decoding algorithm in use bypickup-specific decoding unit 1008 of reception unit 702, via ahandshaking operation analogous to the described in relation to FIGS.8-9. In another embodiment, both private encoding unit 1004 andpickup-specific decoding unit 1008 of reception unit 702 are manuallyprogrammed by the system operator.

[0061] Although only one pickup 26 paired with one pickup specificdecoding unit 1008 have been shown, those having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that in most embodiments reception unit 702 willhave a unique pickup-specific decoding unit 1008 for each unique pickup26 in use.

[0062]FIG. 11 depicts a more detailed block diagram representation ofvarious components and processes previously depicted and described inrelation to FIGS. 1-6, which has features in common with previouslydescribed FIG. 7. With respect to the features of FIG. 11 in common withFIG. 7, the operation of such common features will not be re-describedhere in that the operation of such features in FIG. 11 are analogous tothe operation of such features as depicted and described in relation toFIG. 7. However, in addition to the features in common with FIG. 7,illustrated is that logical channel_1 carries restricted content,logical channel_2 carries unrestricted content, and logical channel_Ncarries unrestricted content. As used herein, examples of “restricted”content would be content captured by pickups 26 which are located whereprofanity is likely to be heard, such as pickups 26 located in thedugout or bullpen of baseball field 100, or located on a manager or acatcher during a baseball game. Another example of restricted contentwould be direct feed of delayed broadcasts, such as signals which feedthose network television channels which are typically delayed 7 secondsfor purposes of censorship by the network. As used herein, examples of“unrestricted” content would be content wherein profanity is not likelyto be heard, such as content obtained from broadcast station 102.

[0063] In addition to the previously described components, personalreceiver 28 further contains user controlled restricted/unrestrictedcontent selector 800. In one embodiment, user controlledrestricted/unrestricted content selector 800, in response to user input,ensures that those logical channels carrying restricted content are notdelivered to audio drivers 718. Consequently, user controlledrestricted/unrestricted content selector 800 provides parents with theopportunity to ensure that their children are not exposed to theoff-colored comments or profanity in use by players, coaches, andmanagers at professional sport events. In one embodiment, the logicalchannel carries “tags” which user controlled restricted/unrestrictedcontent selector can recognize as indicative of either restricted orunrestricted content and screen accordingly. In another embodiment, theuser is provided with a list of channels, such as on a paper card, whichthe user, or a user's parent or the operator can then use to manuallyscreen selected channels by number. For example, a parent programming achild's personal receiver 28 such that the child's personal receiver 28would screen out logical channel_1 due to the content of logicalchannel_1. In one embodiment, such selection is by a simple manualselector, while in another embodiment such selection is done via apushbutton labeled screen restricted content, while in yet anotherembodiment a parent's personal receiver 28 in proximity to a child'spersonal receiver 28 effects the restriction by radio control of thechild's personal receiver 28 via conventional radio control techniques.

[0064] Each of these channels can be selected by the user turning thechannel selector 34 to the appropriate channel corresponding to thebroadcast the user wishes to hear, see for example FIG. 2, or pushingthe desired buttons as shown in FIG. 12, described below.

[0065]FIG. 12 depicts a cutaway view of a further possible physicalimplementation of personal receiver 28. Personal receiver 28 has, on itsexterior, LCD screen 1200, which in one embodiment displays alphanumericcharacters (e.g., channels selected, mixed, screened, etc.). Personalreceiver 28 has buttons 1202, which in one embodiment can be used toselect, mix, or screen various channels in the fashion described herein.Depicted in cutaway is that amplifier 1204 drives earphone adapter 1206,which can be used to drive any one of a number of earphones. Amplifier1204 is driven by (Digital Signal Processor) DSP 1208, which isprogrammed to provide any one or more of the selecting, mixing, andcontent-based screening functions as described previously. DSP 1208receives input from receiver 1210. Receiver 1210 receives a signal (suchas that sent by receiving/transmitting station 22) from antenna 1212.

[0066] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, areincorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, as are anyapplications or other documents which such documents themselvesincorporated by reference.

[0067] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thestate of the art has progressed to the point where there is littledistinction left between hardware and software implementations ofaspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (butnot always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware andsoftware can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.efficiency tradeoffs. Those having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that there are various vehicles by which aspects of processesand/or systems described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will varywith the context in which the processes and/or systems are deployed. Forexample, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy areparamount, the implementer may opt for a hardware and/or firmwarevehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer mayopt for a solely software implementation; or, yet again alternatively,the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by whichaspects of the processes described herein may be effected, none of whichis inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilizedis a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will bedeployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary.

[0068] The foregoing detailed description has set forth variousembodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of blockdiagrams, flowcharts, and examples. Insofar as such block diagrams,flowcharts, and examples contain one or more functions and/oroperations, it will be understood as notorious by those within the artthat each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/orcollectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orvirtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the presentinvention may be implemented via Application Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs). However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can beequivalently implemented in standard Integrated Circuits, as one or morecomputer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more computer systems), as one or moreprograms running on one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers) asone or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g.,microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof,and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for thesoftware and or firmware would be well within the skill of one ofordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of thepresent invention are capable of being distributed as a program productin a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention applies equally regardless of the particular type ofsignal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution.Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, thefollowing: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives,CD ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory; and transmission type mediasuch as digital and analogue communication links using TDM or IP basedcommunication links (e.g., packet links).

[0069] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe various embodiments described herein which can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed ofvarious types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein“electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electricalcircuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one application specific integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by acomputer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by acomputer program which at least partially carries out processes and/ordevices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,forms of random access memory), and electrical circuitry forming acommunications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, oroptical-electrical equipment).

[0070] The foregoing described embodiments depict different componentscontained within, or connected with, different other components. It isto be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary,and that many other architectures can be implemented which achieve thesame functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of componentsto achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such thatthe desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components hereincombined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as“associated with” each other such that the desired functionality isachieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

[0071] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the artthat, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may bemade without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the scope of thisinvention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention issolely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by thosewithin the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially inthe appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., theterm “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limitedto,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” theterm “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limitedto,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art thatif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, suchan intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present.

1. A system comprising: two or more pickups respectively associated withtwo or more positional locations relative to an event; atransmitting-receiving station having two or more channels respectivelyassociated with the two or more pickups respectively associated with thetwo or more positional locations relative to the event; and a personalcommunications device having a channel selector configurable to selectthe two or more channels respectively associated with the two or morepositional locations relative to the event.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein said transmitting-receiving station comprises: a programmableencoding unit.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the two or morepositional locations relative to an event comprises: at least twopositional locations selected from a positional-location group includingbut not limited to a baseball field dugout position, a baseball bullpenposition, a broadcast booth position, a batting cage position, a basebag position, a manager position, a coach position, an umpire position,a field position, a game-related commentary position, a televisioncamera position, a locker room position, a baseball player position, afan-area position, a race car driver position, a racing announcerposition, and a foreign translator position.
 4. The system of claim 1,further comprising: said transmitting-receiving station having two ormore channels respectively carrying a broadcast selected from abroadcast-group including but not limited to an audio broadcast, atelevision broadcast, and a foreign language broadcast.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: said transmitting-receiving station havingtwo or more channels configured to intermittently carry at least one ofan advertising message, an emergency broadcast message, and a trafficreport message.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: saidtransmitting-receiving station having two or more channels configured tointermittently carry a message directed to a particular personalreceiver.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal communicationsdevice comprises: the personal communications device configurable to mixat least a portion of the two or more channels respectively associatedwith the two or more positional locations relative to the event.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the personal communications device comprises:a programmable decoding unit slaved to an encoding unit associated withthe transmitting-receiving station.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe personal communications device comprises: the personalcommunications device configurable to restrict access to at least aportion of the two or more channels respectively associated with two ormore positional locations relative to the event.
 10. A systemcomprising: a personal communications device configurable to mix two ormore channels respectively associated with two or more positionallocations relative to an event.
 11. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising: the personal communications device configurable to restrictaccess to at least one of two or more channels respectively associatedwith two or more positional locations relative to an event.
 12. A methodcomprising: receiving two or more signals respectively associated withtwo or more pickups at two or more locations of an event forum;generating two or more logical channel representations of the two ormore signals; creating two or more encoded versions respectivelyassociated with the two or more logical channel representations; andtransmitting the two or more encoded versions respectively associatedwith the two or more logical channel representations.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: decoding the two or more channels usingdecoding algorithms consistent with two or more pickups respectivelyassociated with the two or more channels.
 14. A method comprising:receiving two or more channels respectively associated with two or morepickups at two or more positional locations of an event forum; andselecting at least one of the two or more channels in response to input.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: restricting access to atleast one of the two or more channels, in response to a content-basedinput.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: mixing at least aportion of the two or more channels in response to input.
 17. The methodof claim 14, further comprising: decoding the two or more channels usinga decoding algorithm consistent with an encoding unit of atransmitting-receiving station.
 18. A system comprising: a plurality ofaudio pickup devices respectively located at a plurality of positionsrelative to an event; a transmitting-receiving station which receives aplurality of signals from said plurality of audio pickup devicesrespectively located at the plurality of positions relative to theevent, and transmits encoded versions of the plurality of signals; aplurality of personal receiving devices, each of the plurality ofpersonal receiving devices receiving the encoded versions of theplurality of signals; and each personal receiver having a channelselector to select at least one channel, wherein the at least onechannel corresponds to one of the plurality of signals from saidplurality of audio pickup devices respectively located at the pluralityof positions relative to the event.
 19. The system of claim 18, furthercomprising each personal receiver having a channel mixer to mix at leastone channel with at least one other channel, wherein the at least onechannel corresponds to one of the plurality of signals from saidplurality of audio pickup devices respectively located at the pluralityof positions relative to the event.
 20. The system of claim 18, furthercomprising each personal receiver having a content-based channelselector to select at least one channel, wherein the at least onechannel has restriction-based content.